20 <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>Harbour</strong> News Wednesday <strong>March</strong> <strong>17</strong> <strong>2021</strong> Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz All charged up over plug-in Mini Cooper I’VE NEVER owned a Mini, but my wife still talks about her classic three-door with much affection. It was an original 60s Morris Mini-Minor 850 that had travelled more than 60,000 miles when she bought it, however, it gave her unfaltering service for many years. My wife is a bit ambivalent about the new generation Mini, she’s not convinced it’s true to the concept of old, but she is excited about the latest addition to the line-up – a fully electric/plug-in Mini. We had the $59,900 Mini Cooper SE – E for electric – during four week days and looked at the model as many would – an urban commute. For that role it is everything you would want from today’s electric vehicle and, what’s more, it has range, BMW claims a 233km distance between charges, that’s at best usage. During our time with the evaluation car, the discharge graphic was true to the type of use I presented it with, easily completing our weekly commute without charging. Of course, you can add charge at any point, but REAL ESTATE Ultimate Hillside Lifestyle! 4 Morgans Valley, Heathcote (Unless Auction: Wed 24 <strong>March</strong> Sold Prior) 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 2 livingrooms 1 study 1 dining room swimming pool 3 car garage, 3 off street parks - Listing no. HR8838 If you're searching for a hillside abode that you simply cannot wait to get home too, you may have just found it. Unobstructed views over the stunning local surrounds, and across to the city, expansive and flexible living spaces, a kitchen that will impress and outdoor entertaining that will be the envy of many - it's all here. Nestled away from the easterly in Heathcote's noted microclimate, this home certainly has some wow factor. Floor to ceiling windows greet you in the living spaces and one cannot help but be drawn to the picturesque outlook. Stacking sliders from both kitchen and living connect the indoors with the louvred outdoor area seamlessly. Picture yourself enjoying an afternoon or evening drink as children, friends and family create forever memories in the pool area. In the cooler months, a separate media room offers a children's retreat and ensures the flexibility today's family yearns is more than covered. The accommodations are located on the upper level with three large bedrooms and family bathroom complementing a master suite for the benefit of the batteries letting them complete a full cycle, a slow charge is best. However, when the need arises it will take 36min to quick charge to 80 per cent. It’s fair to say I get anxious about range, I’m the type of driver who likes to have a full tank, but the EV Mini didn’t discharge as quickly as I was expecting it to, I’m picking that’s a lot to do with its smallish stature and lack of weight in the car. At 1365kg, it’s only around 150kg heavier than its petrol-engined counterparts, the motor isn’t working hard, consequently, there is less battery drain. Yes, the EV Mini is small at under 4m, and with just two side doors it represents the values of old. It’s a squeeze accessing the rear seats, and once in there there’s only room for two, there are only two seat belts and that’s the end of story. Also, with just 211-litres of cargo storage, those who do travel will have to travel light, the boot space wouldn’t house a Kiddie-family weekly grocery shop. However, the $59,990 Cooper SE is all about the values that you will fall in love with. Breakfast in bed is something special here. Beyond the WOW aspects of the home, the functionality is right on point. Separate laundry with outdoor access, excellent storage up and down, triple garaging, a quiet study space tucked away from the living areas (perfect for a quiet work from home option) and established gardens and surrounds, simply move in and enjoy. My owners have truly loved their time here, but have now moved on - it's time you took advantage! Auction: Wed 24 Mar 2:00 p.m. Russley Golf Club, 428 Memorial Ave (Unless Sold Prior). Open home times Sat & Sun 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm Steve Alfeld Mob. 021 0240 2528 Harcourts Hornby Four Seasons Realty 20<strong>17</strong> Ltd (Licensed Agent REAA 2008) MINI COOPER SE: Fully electric with plug-in recharging. people want in this age where EVs are being touted as the way of the future in automobile production, it’s a useful addition to the part of the market where EV purchases satisfy those who feel they need to be doing something for the environment. As an aside, the 2020 New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild car of the year award went to an EV – Mercedes-Benz’s EQC 400 sport utility vehicle to be exact. The Mini electric is also strong from beneath the accelerator. The motor is rated at 135kW with 270Nm of torque available from a zero point. From a standstill it will reach 100km/h in 7.3sec and will complete an overtaking manoeuvre (80-120km/h) in 4.8sec. These are quick figures, and are indicative of the flow of energy you get from battery power. With that you get a feelgood factor from behind the wheel, it is lively and encourages a spirited drive. I also completed a highway loop in the evaluation car and enjoyed its athleticism and immediate flow of power. It also handles much like the Cooper S of old, it is balanced and tight in the chassis, it turns directly into a corner and will flow through a corner with control and dignity. True to its original design, drive is sent to the front wheels, yet it doesn’t make that obvious, the cornering feel is neutral and the suspension is set up well for placement. High quality Good Year Eagle F1 tyres also help, at 205/45 x <strong>17</strong>in there is a lot of rubber on the surface and those tyres feel delightful, I have them on my own car and I relate to their characteristics. • Price – Mini Cooper SE, $59,990 • Dimensions – Length, 3845mm; width, <strong>17</strong>27mm; height, 1432mm • Configuration – Electrosynchronous motor, 135kW, 270Nm, automatic • Performance – 0-100km/h, 7.3sec There’s been a lot of hype lately about the longevity of electric vehicles and the cost of battery replacement. I’m pleased to report that the EV Mini has an eight-year battery warranty. That’s most reassuring, and during that time the car will give you a lot of satisfaction. There are some compromises space-wise, but for two adults on a daily basis it is a car which competes well with the multitude of electric-only models that are reaching our shores. The Cooper SE is smart and has all the bling that BMW has built into the Mini since it took ownership of the brand, it tempts with its level of specification and safety elements, and that’s most definitely a must for <strong>2021</strong>. It’s also a car for the Mini purist, and for those who, like my wife, still relate to the cheeky Sir Alec Issigonis design that took the world by storm in 1959. ADVERTISING FEATURE
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Wednesday <strong>March</strong> <strong>17</strong> <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>Harbour</strong> News 21 It’s on.